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Principal Process Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

$111K - $167K/yr

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Sr. Principal Process Engineer to join our team in Rocket Center, WV. This role designs and plans layout for such processes as hardening, washing, laminating, etching ...

Schwans

Principal Packaging Process Engineer

Hopkins, MN

$107K - $178K/yr

We are hiring a Principal Packaging Process Engineer in our R&D Team supporting our Asian Business, and this person will be responsible for supporting package development projects that meet business ...

MultiSource Mfg

Process Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

The Process Engineer's function is to support Operations at the Corporate level with a focus on ... Engineering principals, tools, and concepts. Project management principles (i.e., Work Breakdown ...

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All JobsPrincipal Process Engineer JobsPrincipal Process Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Principal Process Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$85.2K

$147K

$178.7K

How much do principal process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal process engineer in Minnesota is $146,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $166,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Principal Process Engineers in industries like oil and gas or chemical manufacturing may also reach this level with significant expertise and project management responsibilities.

What engineers make $500,000?

Principal Process Engineers in industries such as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, or aerospace can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or executive-level roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Process Engineer, you need deep expertise in chemical or process engineering, advanced problem-solving skills, and typically a relevant engineering degree with substantial industry experience. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or CHEMCAD), Six Sigma or Lean certifications, and knowledge of regulatory standards are important technical assets. Leadership, effective communication, and project management skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure efficient process design, regulatory compliance, and successful cross-functional collaboration on complex engineering projects.

What is the difference between Principal Process Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Process EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; extensive experienceBachelor's degree in Engineering; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee process design, and mentor teams in manufacturing or chemical plantsAssist in process design, troubleshooting, and optimization under supervision
Industry UsageCommon in large manufacturing, chemical, and oil & gas companiesFound across various industries including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and energy

The Principal Process Engineer typically holds advanced credentials and leads complex projects, focusing on strategic process improvements. In contrast, the Process Engineer is more involved in supporting and executing process tasks. Both roles are essential in process industries, but the Principal Process Engineer operates at a higher level of responsibility and expertise.

What is a principal process engineer?

A principal process engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for designing, optimizing, and overseeing manufacturing or chemical processes within an organization. They often lead process improvement projects, utilize engineering tools like process simulation software, and require extensive technical expertise and experience in their field.

How much does a principal process engineer make in the US?

A principal process engineer in the US typically earns between $110,000 and $160,000 annually, with the median around $135,000. Compensation varies based on experience, industry, location, and company size, and often includes benefits such as bonuses and stock options.

How does a Principal Process Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

A Principal Process Engineer often acts as a key liaison between engineering, operations, project management, and quality assurance teams. They lead process design reviews, facilitate technical discussions, and ensure that project deliverables align with organizational goals and regulatory standards. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as they guide multidisciplinary teams through troubleshooting, optimization, and implementation phases. This collaborative role ensures that process improvements are feasible, cost-effective, and sustainable across the project lifecycle.

What Is a Principal Process Engineer?

A principal process engineer works with a team to analyze the efficiency of company processes and identify potential improvements. In this career, you usually work in a large production or manufacturing facility. You must have excellent technical, organizational, and analytical skills. Your job duties include helping management in the development of schedules, budgets, or guidelines for your department, overseeing other engineers, collaborating to support process solutions, and creating simulations, diagrams, and project plans. You also use engineering computer software to design process plans and review data to calculate constant improvements. Qualifications for a career as a principal process engineer include a bachelor's degree in engineering.

More about Principal Process Engineer jobs
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Principal Process Engineer jobs near you
Principal Process Engineer

Principal Process Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Plymouth, MN

$98K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 340 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 519 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman is currently seeking an experienced Principal Process Engineer to provide manufacturing and process engineering technical expertise and project management for our large caliber ammunition (LCA) production programs in our Plymouth, MN offices. This position is focused on providing technical leadership in the manufacturing of large caliber cartridges and ammunition propulsion systems and supports the ammunition business segment at Armament Systems Division.

This career opportunity is a great fit for a self-motivated, proactive individual who wants to plan and run projects for the Northrop Grumman LCA production team. Our engineers work in a high exposure, fast paced, and exciting environment that involves hands-on technical challenges, problem solving, and inter-department collaborations. The candidate will apply strong engineering fundamentals, demonstrate clear communication with those they interact with, and must be able to support up to 25% of domestic travel for the duration of the program. If you thrive on attention to detail and want different challenges each day, this is the place for you.

Position Description

  • This position reports to the LCA engineering manager and is responsible for providing technical leadership, engineering oversight and support on LCA production programs.

  • Development and oversight of production processes for production at Plymouth, other Northrop Grumman locations and subcontractors, focusing on 120mm and 105mm cartridges and ammunition propulsion systems.

  • Provide manufacturing engineering project management and leadership.

  • Support and/or lead failure investigations, root cause determination, and corrective action implementation.

  • Communicating issues and status frequently and effectively both verbally and in writing.

  • Engineering oversight and interpretation of acceptance and qualification testing results of ammunition materials and components.

  • Contribute to completion of specific program and project milestones.

  • Represent Northrop Grumman to our customers and suppliers.

  • Travel (approximately 25%) domestically to customers and suppliers representing Northrop Grumman's program and business interests.

  • Conceptualize and implement continuous improvement projects internally and with suppliers.

  • Implement and manage strong manufacturing engineering principles to ensure robust production process and high product quality. Examples are SPC, PFMEA, mistake proofing, gauge R&R, production readiness reviews, equipment and gage qualifications, capacity analysis, value stream mapping, and first article inspections.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree plus 5 years of experience, a Master's degree plus 3 years of experience, or a PhD plus 1 year of experience.

  • Engineering experience supporting a production line environment.

  • Experience working with customer engineering, vendors, and subcontractors.

  • Proven partnership/collaboration skills and ability to partner with cross disciplines within a team.

  • Exceptional communication skills (verbal, written, presentation) across all levels of the organization.

  • Proficiency in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

  • Ability to travel

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

  • Must be U.S. Citizen.

Preferred Qualifications

  • M.S. Engineering degree from an accredited university

  • Experience with leading teams

  • Supporting failure analysis within an 8D framework

  • Experience with energetics and ballistic testing

  • Experience with managing cost and schedule

  • Experience working in the defense industry and/or with U.S. Government contracts

  • Experience writing statements of work and estimating project scope

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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